Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats and Food
Simple homemade dog treats made with sweet potatoes — from chewy dehydrated chips to crunchy biscuits. Packed with fiber and vitamins, these treats are healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for baked version)
- Optional for biscuit variation: 1 cup oat flour
- Optional for biscuit variation: 1 egg
- Optional for biscuit variation: 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) for dehydrated chews, or 350°F (175°C) for biscuits.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel if desired. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber.
- For dehydrated chews: Slice the sweet potatoes into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Keep the slices uniform for even drying.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Do not overlap.
- Bake at 250°F for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are dried and slightly chewy but not brittle.
- For baked biscuits: Mash cooked sweet potato and combine with oat flour, egg, and peanut butter. Roll out and cut into shapes, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Let all treats cool completely on a wire rack. Dehydrated chews will firm up more as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 25 per chew
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin A: 120% DV
Tips & Notes
Here are some important tips to help you get the best results from this recipe:
- Uniform slicing is the key to even dehydration. Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly consistent thickness.
- Sweet potatoes should always be cooked before feeding to dogs. Raw sweet potato is hard to digest and can cause intestinal blockage.
- Dehydrated sweet potato chews are an excellent alternative to store-bought rawhide, which can be a choking hazard.
- The treats will feel slightly pliable when you take them out of the oven but will firm up significantly as they cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sweet potato can dogs eat?
Sweet potato should be given in moderation as a treat or meal supplement, not as a primary food source. For small dogs, 1 to 2 tablespoons of cooked sweet potato per day is appropriate. Medium dogs can have up to 1/4 cup, and large dogs can have up to 1/2 cup. Sweet potatoes are calorie-dense and high in natural sugars compared to other vegetables, so portion control matters.
Should sweet potatoes for dogs be cooked or raw?
Sweet potatoes must always be cooked before feeding to dogs. Raw sweet potato contains a compound called solanine that can cause digestive upset, and the tough texture can be difficult to chew and may pose a choking risk or cause intestinal blockage. Boiling, steaming, baking, or dehydrating are all safe preparation methods. Never add butter, sugar, marshmallows, or seasonings.
Are sweet potatoes good for dogs with allergies?
Sweet potatoes are often recommended for dogs with food allergies because they are a novel carbohydrate source that rarely triggers allergic reactions. They are naturally grain-free and gluten-free, making them a good choice for elimination diets. Sweet potatoes also provide anti-inflammatory beta-carotene, which may help soothe irritated skin. However, always work with your vet to identify specific allergens.
Can I give my dog sweet potato instead of pumpkin for digestion?
Both sweet potato and pumpkin support digestive health, but they work slightly differently. Pumpkin has more soluble fiber and is better for acute digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation. Sweet potato has more insoluble fiber and is better as a regular dietary addition for overall gut health. You can use both in rotation. For sudden stomach upset, plain canned pumpkin is usually the better choice.
